The £50m striker has scored three goals in his last two games, and Yanga-Mbiwa and defensive partner Mike Williamson will be tasked with stopping the Spain international.
Alan Pardew felt Yanga-Mbiwa had his best game of the season in Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup defeat to Manchester City, despite the defender leaving his man for Alvaro Negredo to score the opener.
Alan Pardew: “I thought Mapou had one of his best games this season, and that was pleasing.
“He’s a player that’s learning about the Premier League.
“It’s hard at centre-half. I don’t care who you are. You can look at Liverpool’s centre-halves and Arsenal’s centre-halves.
“It takes a while to get it, but he showed great attitude and great ability, and we’re going to need that against Chelsea.
“We’re pretty stretched going into Chelsea."
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
